Energy Efficiency Gaining Federal Steam

As another way to help our customers stay one step ahead, our team at Touché is always keeping an eye on the latest energy code news from around the country. In a recent development, Rick Perry, President Trump’s pick to run the Department of Energy (DOE), strongly backed DOE efforts for increased energy efficiency in buildings during his recent confirmation hearings.

Beyond saying that he’d continue to support the DOE’s role in pioneering energy-efficiency technologies, he also pledged to help advance the bipartisan Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act. According to the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the Act, if passed, would create more than 190,000 jobs, save consumers $16.2 billion a year, and significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

A key part of the Act is focused on making considerable improvements in the energy efficiency of buildings in the United States. In addition to strengthening the national model for building codes, it would help make the state energy code-writing process more transparent and would encourage the DOE to be involved in the development and adoption of building codes by providing technical and financial assistance. (It’s also worth noting that the Act contains no new taxes or mandates.)

We know that for many of our customers and partners who work across state lines, understanding and complying with energy codes can be a confusing maze to navigate. And while new legislation always benefits from close scrutiny and good-faith debate, we’re cautiously optimistic that this Act could be beneficial in helping to simplify and modernize our national approach to driving energy efficiency.

Regardless, Touché will continue to do our part in providing a simple, flexible, software-based control solution that helps our customers stay one step ahead of the codes — no matter where they go or how fast they change.